13th arrondissement Travel Guide

Plan your trip to the 13th arrondissement in Paris with this comprehensive travel guide, featuring top attractions, things to do, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to 13th Arrondissement

The 13th arrondissement is one of the 20 constituencies located in the southeastern part of Paris, France. It’s known for its fascinating history, vibrant art scene, and multicultural vibe. The area is divided into four neighborhoods; Gobelins, Salpêtrière, Maison-Blanche, and Croulebarbe, each with its own unique characteristics and attractions.

List of Places to Visit in 13th Arrondissement

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Cité de la Mode et du Design - a contemporary design center that hosts exhibitions and events.
  • Musée National d’Art Moderne - one of the largest collections of modern and contemporary art in the world, located in the iconic Centre Georges Pompidou.
  • Musée des Arts Asiatiques - displays a collection of Asian art, including ceramics, textiles, and sculptures.
  • Rue de la Butte-aux-Cailles - a charming cobblestone street, known for its street art and trendy cafes.
  • La Butte-aux-Cailles - a hilly neighborhood with narrow streets that boasts a bohemian atmosphere.

Natural Attractions of 13th Arrondissement: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Parc de Bercy - a picturesque landscaped park that features a lake, gardens, and vineyards.
  • Parc de Choisy - a large community park that features walking trails, playgrounds, and sports courts.
  • Canal Saint-Martin - a picturesque waterway that stretches for 4.5 kilometers and is perfect for a leisurely stroll or boat ride.
  • Jardin des Plantes - a sprawling botanical garden that houses a variety of plants and animals.

Hiking/Biking Routes of 13th Arrondissement

  • Promenade Plantée - a disused elevated railway that has been converted into a public park. It features a beautiful walkway, greenery, and gardens.
  • Coulée Verte René Dumont - a scenic trail that stretches for 8.5 kilometers, following the route of an old railroad line.
  • Bois de Vincennes - an expansive parkland that spans over 995 hectares, featuring lakes, forests, and cycling trails.

Best Things to Do in 13th Arrondissement: Activities and Tours

  • Street Art Tour - explore the vibrant street art scene in the 13th arrondissement. Many colorful murals, installations, and sculptures can be found throughout the area.
  • Food Tour - sample the diverse cuisines of the 13th arrondissement, which features influences from around the world, including Vietnamese, Chinese, and North African.
  • Boat Tour - take a scenic boat ride along the Seine River, which cuts through the heart of the city.

Week-Long Itinerary for 13th Arrondissement

Day Activity
1 Street art tour and lunch at a trendy cafe
2 Visit Musée National d’Art Moderne and Centre Pompidou
3 Outdoor adventure at Parc de Bercy and Bercy Village
4 Explore Rue de la Butte-aux-Cailles
5 Discover the Asian culture at Musée des Arts Asiatiques and Jardin des Plantes
6 Canal Saint-Martin boat tour and picnic at Parc de Choisy
7 Visit Bois de Vincennes and Palais de la Porte Dorée

Food and Drink Scene of 13th Arrondissement

Must-Try Dishes

  • Banh Mi - a Vietnamese baguette sandwich, filled with meat, pickled vegetables, and herbs.
  • Pho - a fragrant Vietnamese noodle soup, typically made with beef or chicken.
  • Couscous - a North African dish that consists of steamed semolina, vegetables, and meat.
  • Dim Sum - a Chinese meal of small steamed or fried savory dumplings, served with soy sauce and chili paste.

Local Beverages

  • Wine - France is known for producing some of the finest wines in the world, and you can find many excellent varieties in the 13th arrondissement.
  • Coffee - Paris has a long tradition of coffee culture, and the 13th arrondissement boasts some of the city’s best cafes.
  • Beer - French beer is becoming increasingly popular, and you can find many good brews from local microbreweries in the area.

Where to Stay in 13th Arrondissement: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hotel La Demeure - a stylish boutique hotel with a cozy lounge and a courtyard garden.
  • CitizenM Paris Gare de Lyon - a modern hotel with innovative technology and design features.
  • Le Fabe Hotel - a charming hotel with a garden terrace, located in a quiet residential area.
  • Les Jardins de la Villa - a luxurious hotel with elegant rooms and a spa.

What to Buy in 13th Arrondissement: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Scented candles - from local perfumeries, such as Annick Goutal and Diptyque.
  • Fashion and Accessories - from boutique shops in the Gobelins neighborhood.
  • Books - from the Librairie de la Halle Saint-Pierre, a quirky bookstore that specializes in outsider art.
  • Cheese - from local cheese shops, such as Fromagerie Beaufils and Fromagerie Trotté.

Local Culture and Customs of 13th Arrondissement

The 13th arrondissement is a melting pot of cultures, with a diverse community comprising French locals, immigrants, and expats. Visitors are encouraged to respect local customs and traditions, including dress codes when visiting religious sites and being mindful of noise levels in residential areas.

Best Time to Visit 13th Arrondissement

The best time to visit the 13th arrondissement is during the shoulder seasons of spring (March-May) and fall (September-November). The weather is mild, and tourist crowds are smaller, making it easier to explore local attractions and enjoy the food and drink scene.

Do’s and Don’ts of 13th Arrondissement

Do:

  • Try the street food in the area, especially the Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches.
  • Visit the local markets, such as Marché Biologique Raspail and Marché des Batignolles, to experience the fresh produce and artisanal products.
  • Follow local customs and etiquette, such as greeting locals with a “bonjour” or “bonsoir.”

Don’t:

  • Be disrespectful to local customs and traditions.
  • Purchase products from illegal street vendors.
  • Leave valuables unattended in public areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in 13th Arrondissement

The 13th arrondissement is generally safe, but visitors should be mindful of their surroundings, especially at night. Be cautious of pickpockets, and avoid carrying large sums of cash or expensive valuables.

Health in 13th Arrondissement

The health care system in France is of high quality, but visitors should obtain comprehensive travel insurance to cover any medical expenses. It’s also recommended to bring any necessary medications and to take precautions against insect-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease and ticks.

Getting to 13th Arrondissement: Transportation Options and Logistics

There are many transportation options available to travel to the 13th arrondissement, including:

  • Airports Near 13th Arrondissement - Paris-Orly Airport and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport are the two main airports in the area.
  • Bus Stations Near 13th Arrondissement - Gare d’Austerlitz and Gare de Lyon are two major bus stations in the area.
  • Other Options - The Paris Metro and RER commuter train system provide an efficient way to travel within and around the city.

How to Get Around in 13th Arrondissement

The 13th arrondissement is a walkable area with many bike lanes and public transportation options. The Paris Metro is a convenient way to get around and explore other parts of the city. Visitors can also rent bikes and electric scooters or use ride-sharing services such as Uber and Bolt.

Where to Go Next from 13th Arrondissement: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

The 13th arrondissement is well-connected to many other interesting destinations in Paris and beyond. Some popular nearby places to visit include:

  • Montmartre - a bohemian neighborhood known for its hilltop views and street artists.
  • Disneyland Paris - a theme park and resort located just outside of Paris.
  • Versailles - a grand palace and gardens located just outside Paris, known for its opulent architecture and history.

Conclusion

The 13th arrondissement in Paris is a vibrant and culturally rich area, perfect for visitors looking to immerse themselves in the city’s artistic and multicultural scene. With top attractions, scenic outdoor spaces, and diverse food, drink, and accommodation options, the 13th arrondissement has plenty to offer for every type of traveler.

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